Rhythm Practice

One of the ways I have students practice their rhythm reading and writing is through this rhythm center. Students get music dice and popsicle sticks; I bought blank wooden dice from Michaels and drew quarter notes, eighth notes and quarter rests on them. These are inexpensive and so easy to make! The students roll their dice and create a 4-beat rhythmic pattern. I then have them write their pattern using popsicle sticks, which allows them to see the rhythm in stick notation vs. the traditional notation written on the dice. I leave out some un-pitched percussion instruments (such as egg shakers) and allow students to read and play their rhythms. Sometimes I allow them to create longer rhythms or create one with an elbow partner.